Dianne C. Formato

Born on December 17, 1944, in her family-built home on Pearsall Avenue in the Bronx, Dianne Formato was the cherished daughter of Diogene “Jerry” Mattiello and Mary (Sinni) Mattiello. She was an alumna of Holy Rosary School and St. Catherine’s Academy. In 1961, she met the love of her life, John Formato, and they were married on September 21, 1963. Together they built a beautiful life and welcomed two daughters, Dianne in 1966 and Anne in 1974. In 1997, the family moved to the Dunwoodie section of Yonkers, where she joyfully embraced her role as grandmother to Jana (1997), Sergio (1998), and Dominic (2000).

Dianne dedicated more than 20 years to the NYC Board of Education in the Bronx, serving as assistant to the superintendent before retiring in 2007. She was known for her kindness, her willingness to help anyone in any way she could, and her deep love for her family. A devoted fan of Elvis and The Beatles, Dianne enjoyed music of every era—from the 1950s through today—and especially loved dancing with her beloved husband. She was famous for her baking, her warm hospitality, and her joy in hosting family gatherings, particularly during the holidays. Everything she did revolved around the people she loved most.

She is predeceased by her parents; her brother Diogene “Jerry” Mattiello; her sister Maria Spatola and brother-in-law Victor Spatola; and her sister-in-law Marie (Formato) Marziano and brother-in-law Vincent “Jimmy” Marziano, both of whom she regarded with sisterly love. She is survived by her devoted husband John; her daughter Dianne Pisani and son-in-law Sergio Pisani; her daughter Anne Formato; her grandchildren Jana Pisani, Sergio Pisani (fiancé Jackie Hoyos), and Dominic Pisani; her sister Edith Perna and brother-in-law Carl “Charlie” Perna; and countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

The legacy of her love, her generosity, and the many cherished memories she leaves behind will forever live on in the hearts of her family.

Visiting hours will be held at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, located at 168 Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703, on Saturday December 6, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will follow at the same location from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Final disposition is private.